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HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF SAFE IN A MASS CROWD
For a correct assessment of possible threat you should keep in mind that a crowd can be dangerous and not dangerous (harmless). A harmless crowd may consist of bystanders or passers-by, people in recreational areas, tourist groups, etc. Crowds of the first type are formed at rallies, demonstrations and other political events, as well as music concerts, football matches, etc In very crowded places, the crowd itself is dangerous. Avoid the dangerous crowd. Do not bump into the frenzied group of mob if you take to streets. Better you cross the road to the sidewalk across. Or, simply stay at a safe distance.
The first thing you should do at the stadium, for example, is to consciously make yourself aware of your surroundings and mentally notice alternate exits to know how to get out. Try not to appear in the epicenter of events - near the stage, for example. Do not stand near walls (especially glass walls), scaffoldings or time display structures, which could collapse under too much weight or pressure.
Even in a harmless crowd be aware of possible terrorist attack. Therefore keep away from people who differ from the rest. If, for example, people in the crowd are happy and smile, be aware of those who look serious and severe. Be alert of people who are not dressed like the others, stand out for their appearance. A terrorist can hide his eyes under the hat, have dirty or untidy clothes, wear a coat though it is warm enough, perspire profusely, etc. (see our recommendation “How to spot a suicide bomber”).
The most dangerous thing is mass panic which can be triggered by different events, or when the crowd is drawn to hysteria and become aggressive. In this case thousands people lose self-control, and the crowd turns into an organism living according its own rules. If panic starts, try to not to give way to it. Assess the situation and take the right decision.
Caught in a panicked or packed crowd, get out of it as soon as possible. Do not try to stop it, fighting against the pressure - the flow of people could literally sweep you off your feet and trample you down. Instead, mince in the same direction of the crowd, take advantage of any space that may open up to move sideways to the crowd movement where the flow is weaker and get out of it unharmed.
Try to stay away from everything immovable - walls, fences, trees, columns or barricades, as the crowd pressure can build up rapidly and you could be crushed. Do not clutch for anything with your hands: your arms could be broken. If possible, button yourself up. Bend your elbows and press them to the body or cross your arms on your breast to protect your chest.
The most dangerous scenario in a running crowd is to find yourself on the ground. Therefore if you lose personal belongings (money, cellular phone, shoes) do not try to pick them up, just abandon them and keep moving in the direction of the flow. For the same reason, if you plan to be in a crowd, do not wear high-heel shoes and make sure the laces of your shoes are tied so you do not trip and fall. If you fall, get up quickly jumping upwards. If you drop on your knees, put the sole of one foot firmly on the ground and get up with a sharp push. In all cases get up in the same direction of the crowd and not against it.
Other security tips are here
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